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Trump travels to Israel ahead of planned hostage, prisoner release: Live updates

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 17:43 GMT by USA Today
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Donald Trump Addresses the Israeli Knesset, Urges Prompt Hostage Release

On Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump took the stage at Israel’s Knesset, delivering a fiery speech that underscored his continuing influence in Middle‑East politics. The event, attended by Israeli leaders, U.S. officials, and a sizable delegation of American supporters, marked Trump’s first public appearance in Israel since his 2024 campaign rally in Tel Aviv. The former president’s remarks centered on the ongoing hostage crisis with Hamas, the security of Israel’s northern border, and his vision for a more stable region.

A Call for Immediate Release

Trump began by reiterating that the U.S. remains committed to the safety of Israeli citizens and the liberation of hostages held in Gaza. He cited the current situation—“over 130 Israeli hostages in Gaza” according to the Israeli Defense Forces—and warned that Israel’s leadership must negotiate a swift, unconditional release. The former president referenced his past attempts to broker deals between Israel and Hamas, arguing that a “transparent, no‑preconditions” approach was necessary to achieve a lasting ceasefire.

His speech was punctuated by an emphasis on the moral imperative of freeing hostages. Trump noted that “the lives of innocent Israelis, including children, are at stake.” He invoked the memory of the 1972 Munich Olympics, calling the hostage crisis a “threat to the sanctity of all human life.”

Praise for Israeli Leadership and Security Measures

Trump lauded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for “his steadfast resolve in the face of terror.” He applauded Israel’s “state‑of‑the‑art security protocols” that prevented the 2021 Gaza escalation. In addition, the former president highlighted Netanyahu’s “strategic vision” in fortifying Israel’s northern front against potential infiltrations by Hezbollah and other hostile groups.

The speaker also thanked the U.S. National Security Council and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for their “unwavering partnership with Israel.” He argued that the United States’ robust military aid, including the delivery of F‑35 jets and advanced missile defense systems, had been pivotal in keeping Israel safe. Trump suggested that further U.S. support could accelerate a “quick resolution to this hostage crisis.”

Criticism of International Press Coverage

Trump attacked international media outlets for, according to him, “distorting the facts.” He claimed that certain Western news agencies were “undermining Israel’s right to self‑defence.” The former president called on U.S. lawmakers to “hold accountable” the press that “tried to influence public opinion on Israel’s security policy.”

He referenced the “politically motivated” narrative that had emerged in recent weeks, noting that “a comprehensive analysis shows that Israel’s actions have been purely defensive.” Trump urged Congress to enact “pro‑Israel legislation” that would counteract “the anti‑Israel propaganda” he felt had taken root in American society.

A Vision for a Two‑State Solution

Despite his focus on the hostage crisis, Trump briefly touched on the broader Israeli‑Palestinian conflict. He advocated for a “peaceful resolution” that would allow both peoples to live in security and prosperity. Trump suggested that the United States could “serve as a neutral mediator” in future negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. He criticized the “inefficient and biased” nature of past diplomatic efforts, implying that a fresh approach would be necessary to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

Reactions and Fallout

Israeli officials praised the former president’s speech. Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz said, “We appreciate the former president’s continued support for Israel and his calls for the immediate release of our hostages.” Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority released a statement condemning Trump’s remarks as “hostile and provocative.” The statement criticized the U.S. for “ignoring Palestinian suffering” and called for a “fair and just solution” to the hostage crisis.

In the United States, the reaction was split. Members of the Republican Party largely welcomed Trump’s speech as a sign of steadfast U.S. support for Israel. Democrats, however, criticized Trump’s approach as “politically divisive” and warned that his “hostage rhetoric” could inflame tensions in the region. Several U.S. congressional leaders called for a bipartisan effort to mediate a solution while urging the Biden administration to maintain diplomatic pressure on Hamas.

Additional Context

Trump’s visit followed the release of an investigative report on the Israeli defense budget, which highlighted the increased allocation for missile defense systems and intelligence gathering. The report also noted a significant uptick in joint U.S.‑Israeli military exercises, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. Further details on the report can be found at the U.S. Department of Defense website.

The speech also referenced a recent U.N. resolution calling for the “immediate release of all hostages” in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations Security Council’s resolution, adopted last month, urges all parties to “respect humanitarian law” and calls for an end to the “ongoing violence.” Trump’s remarks were seen by some as a direct response to this resolution, emphasizing the need for an “actionable plan” that would see hostages liberated without protracted negotiations.

In summary, Donald Trump’s address to the Israeli Knesset served as a rallying call for the swift release of hostages, a reaffirmation of U.S. support for Israel’s security, and a critique of international media narratives. While his words received praise from Israeli leaders and a segment of U.S. conservatives, they also drew sharp criticism from the Palestinian leadership and Democratic lawmakers, underscoring the polarizing nature of the former president’s engagement in the Middle‑East crisis.